04.02.20
Grant Shapps welcomes new direct Amsterdam-London rail service
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps has today (Jan 4) welcomed the new direct Eurostar rail service between Amsterdam and London, set to launch in April 2020.
Since Early 2018 passengers have been able to make this journey on the Eurostar, but with a train change in Brussels Midi, where passengers needed to change for customs and passport checks.
This new service will mean the return leg from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras will be straight through, not only meaning a more convenient journey but also cutting journey time down.
The time of the trip can currently take between four hours and 42 minutes and six hours and 33 minutes, with the new journey time coming in at just four hours and nine minutes.
The new non-stop journey will have environmental benefits as the more efficient trip appeals to passengers, incentivising a greener option for them. Eurostar estimate their trains produce between 80 and 90% fewer emissions than the equivalent short haul flight.
Reacting to the arrival of the first return journey from Amsterdam to London St Pancras this morning, Mr Shapps said:
“We’re continuing to invest in modern, efficient transport links with the continent so our businesses and tourism industry can flourish.
“The days of passengers being forced to decamp from the train at Brussels to file through passport control will soon be over, as we look forward to direct, return, high-speed services to Amsterdam and beyond.”
The first direct return journey to London from Amsterdam will launch on April 30th and on May 18th from Rotterdam.
Minister for Security, Brandon Lewis, said:
“I’m very pleased to see today’s announcement from Eurostar. Our new agreement with our EU neighbours will make the journey from Amsterdam as quick and seamless as possible, while keeping borders secure.
“The UK’s ongoing cooperation with international partners shows, without doubt, that the UK is open for business with Europe and the rest of the world.”